Thirman Milner (born October 29, 1933)

Thirman Milner (born October 29, 1933)

Patrick Raycraft/Hartford Courant

Milner was the first black mayor of Hartford, and in New England according to the Hartford Courant. Born in Hartford, Milner was attending New York University when he heard Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., speak. After hearing and meeting Dr. King, Milner decided to become a civil rights activist. In 1978 he was elected to the state House of representatives. In 1981, Milner made history by becoming Hartford's first black mayor. He served from 1981 to 1987, and his efforts paved the way for the election of Hartford's second black mayor, Carrie Saxon Perry.

Milner was the first black mayor of Hartford, and in New England according to the Hartford Courant. Born in Hartford, Milner was attending New York University when he heard Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., speak. After hearing and meeting Dr. King, Milner decided to become a civil rights activist. In 1978 he was elected to the state House of representatives. In 1981, Milner made history by becoming Hartford's first black mayor. He served from 1981 to 1987, and his efforts paved the way for the election of Hartford's second black mayor, Carrie Saxon Perry. (Patrick Raycraft/Hartford Courant)

Milner was the first black mayor of Hartford, and in New England according to the Hartford Courant. Born in Hartford, Milner was attending New York University when he heard Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., speak. After hearing and meeting Dr. King, Milner decided to become a civil rights activist. In 1978 he was elected to the state House of representatives. In 1981, Milner made history by becoming Hartford's first black mayor. He served from 1981 to 1987, and his efforts paved the way for the election of Hartford's second black mayor, Carrie Saxon Perry.